Tasmac under investigation for overpaying for bottles

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into Tasmac, Tamil Nadu's state-run liquor corporation, following recent raids on its headquarters, distilleries, and bottling units. The ED claims to have uncovered a potential liquor scam worth 1,000 crore rupees. However, the Madras High Court has criticized the ED's approach during the raids and has temporarily stopped them from proceeding with further action until Tuesday. The focus of the investigation is on the inflated costs associated with recycled liquor bottles. Tasmac buys around 1.6 lakh carton boxes of liquor daily, and reports indicate it pays a high cost for the bottles without questioning this expenditure. According to the ED, Tasmac has been overpaying for bottles because many of them are recycled. A new 180ml bottle costs about 6 rupees, but recycled bottles can be obtained for only 2 rupees. Instead of listing the actual recycled bottle costs, distilleries have been inflating the price to Tasmac. This practice has raised concerns about potential collusion between Tasmac and the distilleries. The ED has already raided several distilleries and bottle manufacturers believed to be involved in this scheme. The situation highlights ongoing issues regarding empty bottle collection and the integrity of pricing in the liquor supply chain in Tamil Nadu.